First Villages Apartments Complete
CM Architecture and Ikea assist with model unit

When CM Architecture’s Project Manager Kris Calvert began working on the Villages at Samaritan House project two years ago, it was only an abstract idea. Funding was yet to be secured, and no one knew if the sale of the necessary lots would come to fruition. Still, he diligently put pen to paper and came up with draft after draft of design ideas.

One after another, the plans were sent back to the drafting table. Cost, city planning requirements and an array of personal visions made the development of the perfect plan painstaking at times. During the historic hurricane season in 2005, there were moments when it seemed all would be lost.

“There were many challenges during the project but probably none bigger than the budget,” says Calvert. “Last year’s natural disasters played a large part in increased construction costs. I remember thinking on more than one occasion that this project may not happen. That would have been extremely disappointing.”

But the Villages project pressed ahead. Calvert credits Carleton Construction with sharing in the creative vision he had for the Villages, while also balancing the limitations of a very tight budget. Soon, the foundations were laid, and one brick after another, his vision began to take shape.

“It’s incredible watching the buildings being constructed,” says Calvert. “It’s very surreal. When I see how well the project is finishing, and I hear the positive comments, it makes every part of the last two years worth it.”

CM Architecture sees its involvement with Samaritan House as part of a greater commitment to community improvement projects. Calvert explained that the firm donates time to a number of projects in the area, and that the team believes in the work Samaritan House does for homeless and low-income persons with HIV/AIDS and other special needs. It was a natural fit, and they wanted to be a part of it, he said.

Upon completion of the first unit, the staff of CM Architecture and Ikea furniture worked together to outfit the apartment with everything it needed for public display. The unit, like the rest of the project, did not come together without a healthy dose of elbow grease. “Catherine Harvey picked out furniture and accessories from Ikea to give the unit a contemporary look without exceeding the budget,” says Calvert. “Most of the furniture required assembling, so we had about ten volunteers from our office spend part of a Saturday setting up the model unit. I think it turned out great.”

Kris Calvert has more than ten years of experience developing residential and commercial designs. His current projects include a town homes project in Odessa, TX and multiple stores across the country for Eddie Bauer. He is interested in religious architecture and hopes to be involved in church design in the near future.

The furnished unit at the villages at Samaritan House is available for tours upon request. Please call (817) 332-6410 ext. 160, or email info@samaritanhouse.org for more information.